Thread: What is this razor... and this other widget?

A nice local lady gave me a box of 12 straight razors for free! Most are in good condition, and I've already cleaned and sharpened two of them. One is fully hollow ground, shaves nicely and is now my favorite.

Anyhow, there were two strange items in the box. One is some sort of straight razor-like device that I think might be for trimming hair and beards. The other appears to be a widget for shapening something, but I don't know what. Anyone know what these are? Here are some pictures:

The silver do-hickey-majigger is a Rolls razor. (or at least the case to it) one side has a strop, the other a thin hone. There should also be a small stick and small wedge shaped blade that you shave with.

If I'm not much mistaken The top one is a Durham Duplex razor

So may I assume the Durham Duplex used disposable blades? This is how I interpret "Enduringly Keen" and "Saving Stropping." Such quaint language.

Duplex I don't have much to say. I have some from lots that I don't give much attention to.

The Rolls I enjoy. If the the hone is not cracked, keep care making sure it stays that way.

Likely you will come across a complete kit with a broken hone, and will be able to piece together the complete setup.

Once complete use care when snap back together. Do not snap back together in the expected relax position. You must physically move the assembly(blade) so lid closes without contact. Otherwise you will break your saved hone.

I enjoy the mechanical process of dragging that blade over the strop/stone. IMO a nice piece on engineering, and a quality unit. Very much so when you consider it's age.

Originally Posted by dirtychrome

Likely you will come across a complete kit with a broken hone, and will be able to piece together the complete setup.

Once complete use care when snap back together. Do not snap back together in the expected relax position. You must physically move the assembly(blade) so lid closes without contact. Otherwise you will break your saved hone.

Thanks. I'll keep my eyes open for that missing piece.

I just noticed that in the third picture my cat is in the background. Who let him out? I guess my wife fetched him because he's inside now!

Originally Posted by Antenna60

So may I assume the Durham Duplex used disposable blades? This is how I interpret "Enduringly Keen" and "Saving Stropping." Such quaint language.

Sorry, other than knowing what they are I have no practical knowledge of them.

The Durham I believe uses a DE blade.

As for the Rolls, if you are interested the local antique shop has one or two in stock. I could go and see how much they are, so you have all the parts for your set.

Originally Posted by Antenna60

So may I assume the Durham Duplex used disposable blades? This is how I interpret "Enduringly Keen" and "Saving Stropping." Such quaint language.

The Durham Duplex used a double-edged blade so that it could be used with either hand. The blades (which are still available) could be honed and stropped with the use of an attachment that set the proper angle for the sharpening process. So, while they were replaceable, the were also re-usable and could be used many times before being discarded.

Regards - Walt